What to do in Abu Dhabi

Starting January 1, 2026, there will be some important changes to the UAE's VAT regulations that businesses and taxpayers need to know about. The Ministry of Finance has introduced these changes through Federal Decree-Law No. (16) of 2025, aiming to make the tax process simpler and more efficient. 1. No More Self-Invoices for Reverse Charge Mechanism One of the key updates is that businesses will no longer need to issue self-invoices when using the reverse charge mechanism. Instead, they’ll only need to keep supporting documents related to transactions. This will simplify the process, cut down on paperwork, and make it...

Have you been using Instagram's end-to-end encrypted messaging feature? Well, it’s time to say goodbye. Meta recently announced that it will no longer support this feature starting May 8, 2026. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and receiver can read the content of their messages. So, when this was enabled on Instagram, Meta couldn’t access your conversations. According to Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby Luce, the feature didn’t get enough use, that's why it's being removed. Starting May 8, Instagram will return to its standard encryption model, where the platform can access data if needed. Before this date, Meta will...

After the Eid Al Fitr break, students across the UAE will continue their learning remotely for at least two weeks. This decision, announced by the Education, Human Development, and Community Development Council, applies to both public and private schools, as well as universities. Starting Monday, March 23, all students and administrative staff will be working from home. While distance learning will continue, private educational institutions, including schools and nurseries, have the option to apply for permission to return to in-person learning when needed. The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research will monitor the situation weekly...

AI has become part of everyday life. But it’s no longer limited to personal use. Governments are actively integrating it into national systems. The UAE has just proved it is at the forefront of this shift, ranking 3rd globally in AI adoption. Singapore ranks first globally in AI adoption, followed by Chile in second place. Back in 2017, the UAE launched the world’s first national AI strategy, aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into public services, infrastructure, and major economic sectors. A new global study shows the country reached a 56% adoption rate in 2025. Today, AI supports government services, finance,...

Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi is about to become a major set once again. Denis Villeneuve is returning to the UAE to shoot Dune: Part 3, the latest chapter in his epic saga. This means the arrival of Hollywood stars Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, walking across the endless sands of the UAE — with the desert’s beauty to be captured once again as the fictional planet Arrakis. Filming for the highly anticipated movie will start later this year. The vast, cinematic dunes of Liwa desert are ideal for reflecting the power and scale of the film and have become as...

Finding a nearby place to walk, let kids run around, or simply sit outside is becoming easier in Abu Dhabi. The city has opened 16 new parks in Al Shamkhah district, giving residents more easy access to green spaces close to home. This initiative focuses on making outdoor time part of daily routines rather than something saved for weekends or special outings. This expansion of green spaces reflects a wider shift in how the capital approaches urban planning. In May 2025, Abu Dhabi ranked 9th in a global survey of cities with the best green spaces and access to nature,...

Art lovers in Abu Dhabi get a rare opportunity to witness the incredible blend of artistry, scholarship, and spirituality that shaped centuries of knowledge! "Golden Ink: A Journey through Arabic and Islamic Manuscripts" exhibition invites visitors to explore the rich history of Arabic and Islamic manuscripts, some dating back over a thousand years. You can visit it at Qasr Al Watan, House of Knowledge, until April 2026. "Golden Ink" offers access to extraordinary manuscripts from some of the world’s most renowned collections. From the Louvre Abu Dhabi to private holdings of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, this exhibition brings...

Popular Italian restaurant Fi’lia is branching out from Dubai to open two exciting new locations — Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. Known for its comforting Italian-Mediterranean dishes, Fi’lia is all set to bring its blend of tradition and modernity to more diners in the region. In Abu Dhabi, Fi’lia will open at the upcoming Mondrian Abu Dhabi, a luxury hotel with 300 rooms that’s expected to launch later this year. This chic venue will serve as the perfect spot to enjoy Fi’lia’s handmade pastas, fresh ingredients, and warm ambiance.   Over in Saudi Arabia, Fi’lia will debut...

If you’re craving French food with a Mediterranean twist, Bar Du Port is the place to be. The French Riviera-inspired venue is making its way to Abu Dhabi, opening its doors at Yas Marina. This will be the brand’s sixth location in the region. Fans of coastal cuisine can now enjoy the same great food and atmosphere across multiple cities. The brand has recently opened a new location in Doha, and the UAE capital is next with the opening planned for Q4 of 2025.     View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Bar Du Port (@barduportdubai)...

If your child has been asking to use WhatsApp, a new feature coming in the next few months may ease the concerns about the safety of the app. WhatsApp introduces parent-managed accounts for kids under 13. The feature lets younger users stay in touch with family and friends while parents keep control over the account’s privacy and communication settings. How Parent-managed WhatsApp Accounts Work With this feature, a parent or guardian can create and supervise the account for a kids under 13. Only adults aged 18 or older can manage the setup. Here's what parents can manage: decide who is...